Gus Katsaros

Mock Draft

NHL Mock Draft - Final Version

Hertl gives the Sabres an option up the middle and is a player who comes prepared to work each night. Had a solid season playing in the Extraliga leading all rookies in scoring in the top men's Czech league. Tends to play harder when there is more on the line and was an absolute beast for Team Czech at the WJC.

22. Pittsburgh - Brady Skjei (D)

A transitional puck moving defenseman who improved his play throughout the season culminating with a gold medal at the World U18 Championships. Skjei does everything well as he can pass, handle the puck and can flat out fly making him a very safe pick

23. Florida - Derrick Pouliot (D)

The smooth skating Pouliot has been a permanent fixture on all Team Canada's International teams to date. He has layers to his game as he can produce offensively as well as defend. Size is a concern at 5’11” and 190 pounds, but he brings far too many intangibles for it to be an issue.

24. Boston - Tom Wilson (RW)

Wilson is your prototypical Bruin as he can beat you with his fists and has a maturing offensive game. His skating improved considerably. Wilson played the bulk of the season with two first round selections from 2011 - Rickard Rackell and J.T. Miller - and was able to make contributions that led to the success of the line. Wilson has been injury-prone throughout his OHL career playing only 77 regular season games out of a possible 132.

25. St. Louis - Colton Sissons (C)

The Blues opt to go for a character player who oozes leadership and character in Sissons. He needs to work on his skating but can make plays down low and works hard in defensive situations. Played his minor hockey in Burnaby where he was a teammate of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

26. Vancouver - Henrik Samuelsson (C)

GM Mike Gillis continues to build up front by adding a player who shows truculence and plays a nasty in-your-face game. Henrik, the son of Ulf, one of the NHL's most notorious aggravators is a chip off the old block but shows far more offensive creativity down low and a soft touch with the puck. Samuelsson, an American by birth, played in Sweden for 15 games before coming to Edmonton to play the rest of the season with the Oil Kings of the WHL where he had seven goals and 23 points in 28 regular season games.

27. Phoenix - Pontus Aberg (LW)

Aberg labored through an injury ravaged season as concussions and a shoulder injury derailed the better part of the second half for him. He does show the propensity to generate offense as he has sensationally quick hands. Aberg needs to work on his feet and being more selective in physical confrontations for self preservation purposes .

28. New York Rangers - Phil Di Giuseppe (LW)

In an effort to acquire more offensive fuelled players, the Rangers opt for Di Giuseppe who as a freshman played key PP minutes for the Michigan Wolverines. An absolute tyrant down low who can create with his quick hands and competes for loose pucks, but overall adjustments to his defensive game are a must to succeed at the NHL level.

29. New Jersey - Malcolm Subban (G)

Amazingly Subban did not pick up the position until he was 12 however he has the reflexes, athleticism and skills to be a potential starter in the NHL. Missed a bulk of the season with several nagging injuries but still managed to lead the OHL in many statistical categories. Belleville played considerably different with him in the pipes as he has the ability to steal games. It’s a bit of a surprise that the Devils kept this pick as they have to surrender a number one pick in the next three years as punishment for the irregularities in the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk two years ago but if Subban is still available in this spot, it’s a steal.

30. Los Angeles - Scott Laughton (C)

Laughton provides the Kings with good depth up front. He is a highly cerebral player who thrives in all game situations. Rather small on the ice yet he plays big and will engage physically to attempt to change the complexion of the game.

The NHL Draft takes place on Friday June 22. The biggest question surrounding the draft seems to be what will the Edmonton Oilers do with the first pick.

Will they keep it and draft Nail Yakupov, the consensus number one pick in the draft, or draft for need and take the top defenseman in Ryan Murray.

The third possibility is that the Oilers will trade down and grab another asset and still take a rearguard as the draft is defensemen-heavy with most going between picks four and 15.

The other interesting item in this draft is that the Columbus Blue Jackets hold the rights to the Los Angeles Kings first round pick in either this year's draft, or next year as a result of the Jeff Carter deal. With the Kings selecting 30th and last in the first round, look for the Blue Jackets to use the pick next season, especially since they hold the next pick, 31st overall in the draft. Of course, they could package both picks and move up the draft board, if someone they really like is available.

A big thank you to David Burstyn, the Director of Scouting for McKeen's Hockey Magazine for all his help with this Draft. To learn more about the 2012 draft-eligibles and get a detailed jump on the 2013 and 2014 talent pool, elaboration and in-depth analysis can be found in the 2012 McKeen's Hockey Draft Guide

Rotoworld will have a live chat starting at 7:00 ET on Friday June 22 for the Draft as well as up to the minute coverage on the first round. Please join us.

Despite not needing a forward, the temptation may be too great to pass on the offensive dynamo, whose ability to manufacture offence may be one of the best in the draft. However don't be surprised if Edmonton shops and trades the pick to help address their immediate need; defense.

2. Columbus - Filip Forsberg (C/RW)

Forsberg gives the Blue Jackets a viable franchise power forward as he has an explosive shot, sharp offensive instincts and can play a physical style of game. His lack of physical maturity is his only drawback at this time.

3. Montreal - Alexander Galchenyuk (C)

The Canadiens love his strong two-way game and his versatility to play either up the middle or on the wing. He showed strong mental resolve to return from an ACL injury that forced him to miss all but two regular season games in the OHL while contributing in the playoffs. His character and competitiveness is off the charts and don't be surprised if he auditions for the team as early as next season

With a plethora of defensemen available, the Islanders opt for the safe and most reliable pick. Murray plays a staunch two-way game and has the maturity, leadership skills and poise to step in next season and make a contribution.

5. Toronto - Teuvo Teravainen (C)

Slightly off-the board, Teravainen possesses the best hands and offensive ability in the draft. His lack of size and physical involvement may be a concern but his skills cannot be overlooked as he had a monumental season in International tournaments and played a starring role with Jokerit in the SM-liiga, the top league in Finland.

6. Anaheim - Matthew Dumba (D)

Dumba will be a welcome addition to the Ducks who need a capable power play specialist with a blistering slap shot. Dumba also shows a physical layer to his game as he eagerly looks to administer hits allowing him to survive in the West. He finished the season on a high note as he led the World U18 Championships in scoring.

7. Minnesota - Griffin Reinhart (D)

Reinhart adds depth to a rebuilding back-end that already includes Jonas Brodin who the Wild took with the 10th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Reinhart provides the organization with everything their blueline needs, a strong puck moving defenseman who can play in any situation. Put the Oil Kings on his back and led them to a franchise first Memorial Cup appearance

Once mentioned as a top two pick to start the season, inconsistency and lack of intensity dropped his stock and there are big question marks moving forward. Grigorenko however, has the requisite skill to play in the NHL next season and for a team that needs offense, like the Hurricanes, he would be a welcome addition.

9. Winnipeg - Morgan Rielly (D)

A big forward who can score goals would be their number one priority, however the Jets management cannot overlook the offensive dynamic that Rielly brings from the backend. He can take over games with his speed and has the skating ability to gain the line all by himself. A future PP specialist in the mold of an Erik Karlsson is too much to pass up at pick nine.

10. Tampa Bay - Jacob Trouba (D)

A physical specimen who will develop next season with the Michigan Wolverines, Trouba had an accomplished junior career capped by two consecutive gold medals at the World U18 Championships. Has size, can handle the puck and marries his skill set with a nasty disposition.

11. Washington - Zegmus Girgensons (C)

Girgensons plays the game hard and in your face. He thrives when the physical temperature of the game increases. Bull in china shop approach to game but also has a good set of hands to bury his chances and potentially play in the top six. The Capitals get this pick from Colorado as a result of the Semyon Varlamov trade one year ago.

12. Buffalo - Radek Faksa (C/W)

Faksa may be the best defensive forward in the draft. He plays the boards better than any other player and willingly goes to the front of the net. Still maturing physically and showed impressive offensive ability as he led all rookie scorers in the OHL this season with 29 goals and 66 points for the Kitchener Rangers.

13. Dallas - Cody Ceci (D)

Few defensemen played more minutes than Ceci as his success was paramount to Ottawa 67s long playoff drive. He boasts one of the best point shots available in this year's draft and has good size but needs to play up to it.

14. Calgary - Brendan Gaunce (C)

No player was more valuable to their junior team than Gaunce as he played in all 68 games, led the Belleville Bulls in scoring and played on the power play unit as well as killed penalties. His skating needs work but Gaunce is a powerful player who excels at both ends of the ice. He also has tremendous leadership ability which would bode well in Calgary.

15. Ottawa - Hampus Lindholm (D)

Ottawa has had good luck drafting Swedish defenders and the selection of Lindholm seems like the right fit. His development curve since the beginning of the season has soared. Lindholm can elevate his game when it matters most as he plays with intensity and has strong offensive capabilities. Playing in the Elitserien next year will help round out his game as the Senators are in no rush to bring him across the pond.

16. Washington - Sebastian Collberg (RW)

Collberg was arguably the best NHL draft eligible in this year's WJC and helped Sweden capture gold for the first time in 30-plus years. A skilled forward who competes and plays bigger than his size and can also chip in with timely scoring. This is the Capitals second pick of the first round.

17. San Jose - Olli Maatta (D)

Maatta carried the London Knights to an OHL Championship and a heart breaking loss in OT in the final of the Memorial Cup. He can execute a great first pass and improved his shot throughout the season. Maatta needs to address his pivots as he would make himself vulnerable to hits and struggle to contain players on the cycle. He played in Finland in 2010-11 before coming over to play junior hockey last season and has easily acclimated to the North American game.

18. Chicago - Andrei Vasilevski (G)

The Blackhawks are in desperate need of a number one starter and Vasilevski is the best in this year's crop. The Russian Factor may scare the Hawks, but his size, athleticism and economical rebound control make him a candidate to be a legitimate NHL starter. Vasilevski was terrific in the World Juniors which helped him skyrocket up the draft list.

19. Tampa Bay - Slater Koekkoek (D)

GM Steve Yzerman and company would love to walk away from this draft with two massive blue liners with skill. Koekkoek is a work in progress but has above average puck skills and is physically fit! Missed the bulk of the OHL season with a shoulder injury however prior to the injury he was one of the top scoring defensemen in the league with five goals and 18 points in 26 games.

20. Philadelphia - Matt Finn (D)

The Flyers take advantage of a blueline deep draft and select Finn who can play a solid two-way game. Known more for his offensive acumen, his point shot and puck distribution skills on the line make him a viable PP specialist. Finn had 10 goals and 48 points for the Guelph Storm this season.

21. Buffalo - Tomas Hertl (C)

Hertl gives the Sabres an option up the middle and is a player who comes prepared to work each night. Had a solid season playing in the Extraliga leading all rookies in scoring in the top men's Czech league. Tends to play harder when there is more on the line and was an absolute beast for Team Czech at the WJC.

22. Pittsburgh - Brady Skjei (D)

A transitional puck moving defenseman who improved his play throughout the season culminating with a gold medal at the World U18 Championships. Skjei does everything well as he can pass, handle the puck and can flat out fly making him a very safe pick

23. Florida - Derrick Pouliot (D)

The smooth skating Pouliot has been a permanent fixture on all Team Canada's International teams to date. He has layers to his game as he can produce offensively as well as defend. Size is a concern at 5’11” and 190 pounds, but he brings far too many intangibles for it to be an issue.

24. Boston - Tom Wilson (RW)

Wilson is your prototypical Bruin as he can beat you with his fists and has a maturing offensive game. His skating improved considerably. Wilson played the bulk of the season with two first round selections from 2011 - Rickard Rackell and J.T. Miller - and was able to make contributions that led to the success of the line. Wilson has been injury-prone throughout his OHL career playing only 77 regular season games out of a possible 132.

25. St. Louis - Colton Sissons (C)

The Blues opt to go for a character player who oozes leadership and character in Sissons. He needs to work on his skating but can make plays down low and works hard in defensive situations. Played his minor hockey in Burnaby where he was a teammate of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

26. Vancouver - Henrik Samuelsson (C)

GM Mike Gillis continues to build up front by adding a player who shows truculence and plays a nasty in-your-face game. Henrik, the son of Ulf, one of the NHL's most notorious aggravators is a chip off the old block but shows far more offensive creativity down low and a soft touch with the puck. Samuelsson, an American by birth, played in Sweden for 15 games before coming to Edmonton to play the rest of the season with the Oil Kings of the WHL where he had seven goals and 23 points in 28 regular season games.

27. Phoenix - Pontus Aberg (LW)

Aberg labored through an injury ravaged season as concussions and a shoulder injury derailed the better part of the second half for him. He does show the propensity to generate offense as he has sensationally quick hands. Aberg needs to work on his feet and being more selective in physical confrontations for self preservation purposes .

28. New York Rangers - Phil Di Giuseppe (LW)

In an effort to acquire more offensive fuelled players, the Rangers opt for Di Giuseppe who as a freshman played key PP minutes for the Michigan Wolverines. An absolute tyrant down low who can create with his quick hands and competes for loose pucks, but overall adjustments to his defensive game are a must to succeed at the NHL level.

29. New Jersey - Malcolm Subban (G)

Amazingly Subban did not pick up the position until he was 12 however he has the reflexes, athleticism and skills to be a potential starter in the NHL. Missed a bulk of the season with several nagging injuries but still managed to lead the OHL in many statistical categories. Belleville played considerably different with him in the pipes as he has the ability to steal games. It’s a bit of a surprise that the Devils kept this pick as they have to surrender a number one pick in the next three years as punishment for the irregularities in the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk two years ago but if Subban is still available in this spot, it’s a steal.

30. Los Angeles - Scott Laughton (C)

Laughton provides the Kings with good depth up front. He is a highly cerebral player who thrives in all game situations. Rather small on the ice yet he plays big and will engage physically to attempt to change the complexion of the game.

Gus Katsaros is the Pro Scouting Coordinator with McKeen’s Hockey, publishers of industry leading scouting and fantasy guide, the McKeen’s Annual Hockey Pool Yearbook. He also contributes to popular blog MapleLeafsHotStove.com ... he can be followed on Twitter @KatsHockeyEmail :Gus Katsaros